Concentration of Heavy Metals in Soil around Dumpsites in Jimeta and Ngurore, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Rapid urbanization and industrialization in developing countries have been associated with production and deposition of hazardous wastes in the soil environments. Heavy metals are major components of these wastes and have been implicated in several metal-related diseases and food poisoning in man. This study examined the concentration of Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), and Cadmium (Cd) heavy metals in soil near dumpsites of Jimeta and Ngurore, Yola North Local Government Areas (LGAs), Adamawa State. Soil samples from 0-20cm layer depth were collected in triplicates and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Results reveal that Fe, Pb, Cu and Chromium were detected, while Cadmium was found to be below the limit of detection. The mean concentration of the exchangeable cation in mg/kg in soil at Jimeta sites were: Fe (31.4 mg/kg) >Pb (0.92 mg/kg) > Cu (0.34 mg/kg) > Cr (0.11 mg/kg) >Cd (below limit of detection), while the mean concentration of the heavy metals in soil at Ngurore sites were: Fe (32 mg/kg) >Pb (0.83 mg/kg) > Cu (0.28 mg/kg) > Cr (0.07 mg/kg) >Cd (below limit of detection), respectively. Iron (Fe) was the most abundant element in both sites, followed by Pb. Heavy metal concentrations in soil followed the order of Fe>Pb>Cu>Cr>Cd, respectively. The paired T-test analyses for concentration of Cr, Fe, and Pb in soil nearthe two dumpsites show that there were statistically significant differences in the concentration levels of Cr, Fe, and Pb, while Cu showed no statistically significant difference between the two dumpsites. However, all the metals detected were below the permissible limit of WHO international standard with the exception of Pb whose concentration was above maximum permissible concentration (MPC). Persistent heavy metals accumulation in soils near these dumpsites may lead to increase uptake by vegetables grown near the dumpsites and this may pose a threat to its quality and safety and ultimately human health. The need to replace open dumpsites with well-designed landfills is advised.